92-foot 'Venus,' now San Francisco's tallest statue, opens to the public

Updated 7:59 pm, Friday, May 19, 2017

Artist Lawrence Argent's 92-foot high stainless steel sculpture "Venus" is seen from an apartment on the 10th floor of Trinity Place at 8th and Mission streets in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, May 12, 2017. Venus is the dominating centerpiece of the central piazza, which will be open to public access daily. less

Artist Lawrence Argent's 92-foot high stainless steel sculpture "Venus" is seen from an apartment on the 10th floor of Trinity Place at 8th and Mission streets in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, May 12, 2017. ... more

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 3 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 4 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 5 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 6 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 7 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 8 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 9 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 10 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 11 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 12 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 13 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 14 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 15 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Mike Moffitt/SFGATE

Image 16 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction with the help of a crane

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction with the help of a crane

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 17 of 43

A view of "Venus" under construction

A view of "Venus" under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 18 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 19 of 43

"Venus" being assembled at San Francisco's Trinity Place.

"Venus" being assembled at San Francisco's Trinity Place.

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 20 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 21 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 22 of 43

'Venus' is made of 2,500 stainless steel panels welded together

'Venus' is made of 2,500 stainless steel panels welded together

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 23 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 24 of 43

"Venus" being assembled at Trinity Place with the help of a crane.

"Venus" being assembled at Trinity Place with the help of a crane.

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 25 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 26 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 27 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 28 of 43

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

"Venus," a 92-foot-tall sculpture now on display in San Francisco's Trinity Place, under construction

Photo: Courtesy Trinity Place

Image 29 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 30 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 31 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 32 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 33 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 34 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 35 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 36 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 37 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 38 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 39 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 40 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 41 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

Image 42 of 43

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

The newly completed sculpture "Venus," depicting goddess of love and beauty wrapped in a flowing robe, stands in Trinity Place in San Francisco. The 92-foot-tall work is by Lawrence Argent.

Photo: Kevin Shea

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92-foot 'Venus,' now San Francisco's tallest statue, opens to the public

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Maybe you've caught a glimpse of her by peering down the skinny corridor on Eighth Street between Market and Mission streets.

The 92-foot-tall "Venus" twists her shiny steel body as if she were a genie coming out of a bottle, rising above a plaza at the center of the four-building Trinity Place apartment complex in SoMa.

The statue is the tallest sculpture in all of San Francisco and "Venus" is only about 20 feet shorter than the "Statue of Liberty" when you don't include the height of her arm extending her torch into the air.

"Venus" is "the final statement by landlord and housing developer Angelo Sangiacomo, who died in December at age 91, as reported in a previous SFGATE article.

Under the city's "1 percent for art" program run by the San Francisco Planning Department, Sangiacomo was required to donate 1 percent of Trinity Place's cost to fund public art. That amount came out to $5 million, and funds could have either been "donated to the Public Art Trust Fund, overseen by the San Francisco Arts Commission, or added to a project by its developer, as overseen by the Planning Department," as reported in SFGATE.

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Sangiacomo decided to create a public plaza at the center of the development and fill it with a collection of sculptures — known as C'era Una Volta as a whole. He hired the Denver artist Lawrence Argent to create the anchoring art piece. Drawing from Sangiacomo's love for Classical art, Argent decided created the modern interpretation of the "Venus de Milo."

Argent, who is known for exuberant works, has another famous piece in California, the 35-foot, stainless steel, leaping "Bunny Foo Foo" at Hall Winery in St. Helena.

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